Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
Source: The Life Application Study Bible
16 “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results. 17 Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for the next three and a half years! 18 Then he prayed for rain, and down it poured. The grass turned green, and the crops began to grow again.” ~ James 5:16-18
Christ has made it possible for us to go directly to GOD for forgiveness. But confessing our sins to each other still has an important place in the life of the church. (1) If we have sinned against an individual, we must ask him or her to forgive us. (2) If our sin has affected the church, we must confess it publicly. (3) If we need loving support as we struggle with a sin, we should confess that sin to those who are able to provide that support. (4) If we doubt GOD’s forgiveness, after confessing a sin to HIM, we may wish to confess that sin to a fellow believer for assurance of GOD’s pardon. In Christ’s Kingdom, every believer is a priest to other believers. – “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are a kingdom of priests, GOD’s holy nation, HIS very own possession. This is so you can show others the goodness of GOD, for HE called you out of the darkness into HIS wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9 – A Christian’s most powerful resource is communion with GOD through prayer. The results are often greater than we thought were possible. Some people see prayer as a last resort to be tried when all else fails. This approach is backward. Prayer should come first. Because GOD’s power is infinitely greater than ours, it only makes sense to rely on it – especially because GOD encourages us to do so.
19 “My dear brothers and sisters, if anyone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back again, 20 you can be sure that the one who brings that person back will save that sinner from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.” James 5:19-20 – Clearly this person who has wandered from the truth is a believer who has fallen into sin – one who is no longer living a life consistent with his or her beliefs. Christians disagree over whether or not it is possible for people to lose their salvation, but all agree that those who fall away from their faith are in serious trouble and need to repent James urges Christians to help backsliders return to GOD. By taking the initiative, praying for the person, and acting in love, we can meet the person where he or she is and bring him or her back to GOD and HIS forgiveness.
The book of James emphasizes faith in action. Right living is the evidence and result of faith. The church must serve with compassion, speak lovingly and truthfully, live in obedience to GOD’s commands, and love one another. The body of believers should be an example of heaven on earth, drawing people to Christ through love for GOD and each other. If we truly believe GOD’s Word, we will live it day by day. God’s Word is not merely something we read or think about, but something we do. Belief, faith, and trust must have hands and feet – ours!
Father, as Christians we realize our most powerful resource is communion with YOU through prayer. Help us to remember that this action is not – should not – be a last resort when all else fails. The results we get from prayer are often greater than we thought were possible. Because YOUR power is infinitely greater than ours, it only makes sense to rely on it – especially because YOU encourage us to do so. We want to be a people who shows faith by action. Help us Father GOD, to meet those who have fallen away for YOU, where they are and pray for them, show them love, and help to bring them back to YOU and YOUR forgiveness. We thank You Jesus for making it possible, through Your sacrifice, to be able to go directly to our Father in prayer.
LORD, we ask for YOUR guidance as we serve our church, community, family and friends. Help us to do so with compassion. Help us also Father, to learn to speak lovingly and truthfully, to live in obedience to YOUR commands, and to love one another. We want to be as Christ was – an example of Heaven on earth, drawing people to Him through love for YOU, Father GOD and each other. We want to be YOUR hands and feet.
Photo: Kootenai Falls (Montanna)
Photographer: Lisa K Gonzales
Click on the photo to enlarge
